Teaching an old dog new tricks...

[Allie_snowflake]

For almost 30 years I've been braiding my hair. I understood the concept but I didn't know how to "hold" it so for the longest time I could only Dutch braid. I'd have the outside sections grasped between my two sets of fingers (sort of right) but then the middle section was slung over the back of my hand. I'd end up having to basically pick up and tighten loose or dropped sections with each stitch. It worked for me (but caused periodic lumps).

Doing the French braid was even worse. I'd basically drop the middle section this time (then tighten and reorganize the sections I had in my hand.) I got the job done but it was tedious.

Now I've been watching videos with all kinds of fancy braids and because I don't have the basic handholds down, I have no prayer in mastering braids like the waterfall braid or even just a lace braid.

I have been trying so hard for the past few days. I get the initial positioning correct but then when it's time to switch hands I can't seem to figure out which strands go where. Very frustrating! Have any of you had to relearn something that you felt was ridiculously simple? :rolleyes:

[two_wheels]

Not with hair, but with playing a musical instrument. I found it was best if you could get into the frame of mind where the outcome is less important than the technique. And to enjoy that feeling of it being weird, and accept it as a new thing that feels wrong but is right, and to sort of enjoy the experience of doing it that way. It is hard to break a habit. With practice, though, totally possible.

[Madora]

It pretty much boils down to lots of practice and experimenting. Not everyone braids the same way and some people are blessed with longer fingers (which I think is a plus, which I don't possess).

As far as lace braids are concerned, have you tried this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPHEzUr5bWQ

It is easier to do than a lace 3 strand crown braid because the concept of where you add the hair is clearer to understand because you are only working with 2 strands.

Once you understand the concept of lace braiding with 2 strands, it is much easier to graudate to a 3 strand variety (either English or Dutch).

[browneyedsusan]

Oh, yes. Been there, done that.
I used to teach school, and know that unlearning something and relearning is it difficult. If a student has a concept in their head wrong, it's hard to get it out; especially if it's been that way for a long time. Same with muscle memory. It's just going to take practice; especially if you've been at it 30 years. (Not that you were braiding "wrong", but you're trying to learn something new, and your brains have that old information written in 70 point font, bold faced, with a fat Sharpie! It will take some time to get that re-written!) Keep after it.

I'm 47, and get it, even though I think I'm pretty good with my hair, some things are hard to learn. I can't crown braid, and starting a French-braided paranda is hard. I can't braid more than 3 strands very well, either.
I look at a tutorial and try to learn the first couple of steps. I look in the mirror to get started, then shut my eyes and concentrate on how it feels in my hands. Somehow the reversed image in the mirror confuses my brains, and if I do it by "feel" it's easier. Sometimes a slightly different handhold works just as well. Lilith Moon and Torrin Paige both have excellent tutorials, and slightly different ways they hold their hands.
Keep after it. If you're stubborn and persistent, you can get your brains worked around to your ideas. :)

[Allie_snowflake]

I'll check out that tutorial Madora! Thanks!

I'll keep on practicing... It's easier when my hair is lightly oiled but there's just a small window until it starts sticking together and lumping up. I'm on my 5th day (washing tonight) and I've alternated coconut oil and leave in condish. It's too goopy to do anything with now.